The Lion and the Rose

A Novel of the Borgias

From the national bestselling author of The Serpent and the Pearl comes the continuing saga of the ruthless family that holds all of Rome in its grasp, and the three outsiders thrust into their twisted web of blood and deceit . . .

As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from over - and now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexander's thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.

Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissance's most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask . . .

Praise for Kate Quinn and her novels

'A riveting plunge into an ancient world.' C. W. Gortner

'No other author brings history alive like Quinn.' Michelle Moran

'Equal parts intrigue and drama, action and good old-fashioned storytelling.' John Shors

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Kate Quinn is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her series set in ancient Rome and Renaissance Italy make the time periods come alive. Her characters are well-drawn while her place descriptions are well conveyed without overcoming you with detail. This novel is the second in her Borgia series and features Giulia Farnese (the Pope's mistress), her bodyguard Leonello, and her cook Carmelina. A lot happens to these three between 1494 and 1498 with more than one surprise twist along the way. I appreciated the author's character list and the historical notes at the end of the book.